TLC's Extreme Couponing - 5 Step Guide to Making Your Binder!

With the TLC series "Extreme Couponing" becoming a new craze, I get many e-mails asking me how to set up a coupon binder, where to get the coupon holders and the best way to organize it. I am going to list everything out for you, step by step.

Step 1: Get a binder

• The Case-it binder is the best! It has a carrying strap, zips up and even has a built in accordian file.
  The best place to find this binder is on Amazon.com and the prices range from $12.99 - $26.64. Here are a few:

Step 2: Organize Your Binder

• You will want something to put your coupons in. The 9 page Baseball card holders work best. You can find them in packs of 30-65 at Wal-Mart and Target. However, since Extreme Couponing aired, they are very hard to find. I have found that the ones on Amazon are the same price and better quality. Here are a few:

• You will want to decide if you want to organize your coupons by categories or alphabetize them. If you choose categories, then you will want at least 20 tabbed dividers. I prefer the ones that have a pocket in them so I can store extra coupons or ads. Here are a few that I found on Amazon:

• You will want a few extra items in your binder to keep you organized and ready. You may want to get a zippered pencil pouch.
  
  • Scissors
  • Pen 
  • Notepad

• There are a few other things that you will want to keep in your binder
  
  • Pricebook
  • Menu Planner
  • Shopping List

Step 3: Get Coupons, Cut Coupons, File Coupons

• Getting coupons is easy. All you have to do is subscribe to the newspaper and every Sunday you get coupons! There are many other places and ways to get coupons. Look for them everywhere you go! I always suggest getting more than one newspaper! If you live in South Carolina, then there is a special Newspaper deal for you! Read about it here.
• You will want to cut your coupons as close to the lines as possible. I find it is easier and quicker to use a cutter to do the job! I found that scissors wore my hand out and took twice the time. Here are a few cutters that will do the job:

• The best way to do this is to cut your coupons and lay them out on the floor and either put them in piles by alphabet or by category. For instance, I would have a stack of A's, B's, C's, and so on. Or I would stack them in "Dairy", "Grocery", Frozen Foods and so on. 
• Fold your coupons and file them in the binder. Try your best to have the expiration date showing and the amount of the coupon. You can file them back to back if you want. 

Step 4: Put it to Use

• When you go shopping, take your binder with you at all times. Make sure that all of your coupons are up to date so that when you come across a hidden deal or a great clearance deal, your binder is ready to be put to use. When you take your binder into the store, immediately open it up and place it over the seat in the cart. You will find that it fits perfectly!

Step 5: Keep it up to Date!

• This is going to be the hardest step to keep up with. However, I always say that if you have time to watch TV, then you have time to keep up with your binder. Make it a priority EVERY WEEK to take out the expired coupons and put in your new coupons. The best day is Sunday when you get your newspapers. Get it all done at the same time while watching Desperate Housewives or another TV show. Do NOT let your filing get behind because once it does, it becomes twice as hard to tackle. 

Now that you have read over all of the steps, you are ready to get your coupon binder started, right?

If you just answered "NO", that is OK! I have an alternative for you! Check out "The Magic Coupon Organizer" and order one already done for you! Makes it a little easier! Of course, it will still be up to you to file and keep up with your coupons: